Where is the main office?
How do I apply if I don't speak english?
What are the different programs available for children?
Who qualifies for Head Start/ECEAP?
How do you determine who is low-income?
Can we still be considered for the program even though we are over income?
How do I apply for Head Start/ECEAP or Early Head Start programs?
I know of some three-year-old children that are in the program, so why is my three-year-old child not eligible?
How much does it cost for my child to attend?
Do you provide transportation?
What is the difference between Head Start and ECEAP?
I have my girlfriend's child living with me... Can I enroll this child?
My child has been kicked out of several daycare's because of behavior...
What happens if my child does not get served before he/she turns three?
Does my child have to be immunized to attend your preschool programs?
What is the Policy Council?
Where is the main office? (Back to top of Page)
The main office is located at 10621 NE Coxley Drive, Suite 207, Vancouver WA 98662.
Click here for a list of the phone numbers of each of our centers.
Please contact us at 360-567-2720 if you have any questions or need general information.
How do I apply if I don't speak english? (Back to top of Page)
Click here for information on how to reach a translator.
What are the different programs available for children? (Back to top of Page)
EOCF is the umbrella agency for a variety of programs that serve the needs of children and families from prenatal to 12 years old.
Click here for information about our programs.
Who qualifies for Head Start/ECEAP? (Back to top of Page)
Children from low-income families, based on Federal Poverty Guidelines. For ECEAP, an eligible child will have turned 3 by August 31 of the school year. For Head Start, a child is eligible upon its 3rd birthday.
Click here for more information on eligibility.
How do you determine who is low-income? (Back to top of Page)
We use the Federal Poverty Guidelines established by Department of Health and Human Services.
Can we still be considered for the program even though we are over income? (Back to top of Page)
Head Start and ECEAP are no-cost programs for low-income families. Over-income families can apply, but will not be served unless all income-eligible families are already being served.
How do I apply for Head Start/ECEAP or Early Head Start programs? (Back to top of Page)
We begin with a very basic application. This can be done by downloading our online form or over the phone, the process takes about 10 minutes.
There are many factors that determine eligibility for these programs. If you are interested, it is best to contact us. Information is taken by phone or in person to begin the application process.
To enroll, a family must reside within EOCF's defined "service area." An appointment is then scheduled to complete an application for the child to be considered for selection for enrollment. The age of the child, gross annual income of the family, risk factors such as a documented disability, and family need prioritizes a child for enrollment.
I know of some three-year-old children that are in the program, so why is my three-year-old child not eligible? (Back to top of Page)
Priority is given to children who are four years old by August 31 of the current enrolling year. When all qualifying four-year-old children have been selected for enrollment, three-year-olds may then be enrolled. In addition to age, our priority criteria allow for other factors to be considered in selection for enrollment.
How much does it cost for my child to attend? (Back to top of Page)
There is no cost. For the Full Day Head Start and Early Head Start center-based programs that provide wrap-around childcare in addition to Head Start and Early Head Start services, a family is required to receive a childcare subsidy through the Department of Social & Health Services.
A co-pay is then established based on the family's gross income. If a family is not eligible to receive state subsidized childcare they may receive services through a full co-pay method that equals the monthly cost for childcare (fees vary by site). This applies only to wrap-around childcare offered through full-day Head Start and Early Head Start, not part-day preschool.
Do you provide transportation? (Back to top of Page)
Educational Opportunities for Children and Families does not provide transportation services for families to and from our various locations.
What is the difference between Head Start and ECEAP? (Back to top of Page)
Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded. The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is state funded. Head Start offers part-day preschool four days per week, 3.5 hours per day, part-year. Full-day Head Start and Early Head Start center-based programs provide full day, full year childcare for children ages 0-5 in addition to preschool. ECEAP offers part-day classes at most classrooms two days per week, 5 hours per day.
Through Community Partnerships some centers provide services three days per week, three hours per day, and full day options for families needing full time childcare. ECEAP programs operate part-year with options for childcare to continue in the summer months through Community Partnerships, such as Learning Avenues in Vancouver.
I have my girlfriend's child living with me... Can I enroll this child? (Back to top of Page)
Applications can only be processed with parents or legal guardians.
My child has been kicked out of several daycare's because of behavior... (Back to top of Page)
We do not terminate children from our programs due to behavioral issues. Staff, along with parents, will develop a plan to address your child's individual needs.
What happens if my child does not get served before he/she turns three? (Back to top of Page)
Early Head Start will see if you would like your child's file moved up to Head Start or ECEAP. If so, your application will be updated and passed on to Head Start staff for tracking.
Does my child have to be immunized to attend your preschool programs? (Back to top of Page)
Yes. Immunizations are required for our programs. Washington State has set requirements for preschool and childcare attendance that we follow for Early Head Start, Head Start and ECEAP programs.
You will need to provide your child’s vaccination dates or records. We at EOCF are happy to help you obtain those records if needed and determine if your child is up-to-date for their age. For questions, please call Deanna Russell at 360-567-2758.
What is THE Policy Council? (Back to top of Page)
As a parent with a child in the Head Start, Early Head Start or ECEAP program we encourage you to join the Policy Council.
The Policy Council shares program governance with the Board of Directors, management staff and Executive Director. As parents, you can lend your voice in making decisions about program design, budgets, operation of the agency and the quality of services to your children.
Click here for more information on the Policy Council.
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